The island of hawaii places to visit range from live volcanoes and black sand beaches to rainforest waterfalls and a summit above the clouds. Known as the Big Island, Hawaii Island is larger than all the other Hawaiian islands combined, so it rewards a plan, not a rush.
Hawaii Island is the youngest and largest island in the Hawaiian chain, still being shaped by volcanic activity. Its two sides feel like different trips: sunny, dry Kona in the west and lush, rainy Hilo in the east.
Key Points
- Hawaii Island is larger than all the other Hawaiian islands combined, with volcanoes, rainforests, beaches, and snow-capped Mauna Kea in one trip.
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the must-see stop on the island of Hawaii, home to Kilauea and Mauna Loa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Mauna Kea summit, at 13,803 feet, is one of the world’s best sunset and stargazing sites, reached only by 4WD above the visitor station.
- Punalu’u Black Sand Beach pairs jet-black volcanic sand with resting green sea turtles, while Hapuna Beach is the classic white-sand family beach.
- Akaka Falls drops 442 feet through rainforest on a short, easy loop trail, making it one of the best island of Hawaii places to visit for families.
- Split your stay between Kona and Hilo or Volcano, since driving across the island takes 2 to 3 hours.
By Great Hawaii Tour — your guide to Hawaii tours and island adventures.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: A Journey Through Fire and Land
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the heart of any island of Hawaii places to visit list. It holds Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, and its lava fields, steam vents, and craters show how the island was formed.
Walk through the Thurston Lava Tube, drive Chain of Craters Road toward the sea, and stop at crater viewpoints along Crater Rim Drive. Eruption activity changes often, so check the National Park Service and USGS updates before you go, since no guide can promise lava viewing.
Great Hawaii Tour tip: stay overnight near Volcano village or Hilo for the park, rather than day-tripping from Kona. Great Hawaii Tour recommends an early start, because the park is about 45 minutes from Hilo and roughly 2 to 2.5 hours from Kona.
Mauna Kea Summit: Sunset and Stargazing Above the Clouds
Mauna Kea summit, at 13,803 feet, is the highest point in Hawaii and one of the finest places on Earth to watch a sunset and then the stars. Its thin, dry air is why astronomers built world-class observatories on its summit.
Stop at the visitor station at 9,200 feet to acclimatize, and remember that only 4WD vehicles may drive above it. Most evening stargazing happens back at the visitor station, since the summit closes to visitors shortly after sunset.
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach: A Unique Coastal Escape
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is one of the most recognizable island of Hawaii places to visit. Its jet-black sand was formed by volcanic activity, and endangered hawksbill and green sea turtles often rest on the shore.
Swimming can be rough because of currents, so many visitors come to picnic, walk, and photograph the black sand against turquoise water. Keep your distance from resting turtles and never touch them.
Akaka Falls State Park: A Tropical Paradise for Nature Lovers
Akaka Falls State Park sits in lush rainforest north of Hilo, and Akaka Falls drops 442 feet into a green gorge. The short loop trail, about 0.4 miles, winds past bamboo groves, orchids, and a second waterfall.
This is an easy, family-friendly stop and a cool escape from the coast. Bring a camera, wear sturdy shoes, and allow time for the Hamakua Coast drive that leads here.
Waipi’o Valley: The Valley of the Kings
Waipi’o Valley, known as the Valley of the Kings, is a hidden paradise of steep cliffs, taro fields, and a black sand beach. The road down is extremely steep and restricted, so most visitors enjoy the lookout or join a guided tour.
Horseback tours and waterfall adventures in the valley suit adventurous travelers looking for old Hawaii. Respect private land and sacred sites, and do not attempt the valley road in a rental car.
Kona Coast and Hilo Town: Two Sides of One Island
The Kona side offers sunny beaches, coffee farms, and the famous manta ray night snorkel off the Kona Coast. Kealakekua Bay, home to the Captain Cook Monument, is one of the island’s best snorkeling spots.
Hilo town, by contrast, is green, local, and rainy, with a farmers market, Rainbow Falls in town, and the gateway to the volcano park. Hapuna Beach on the Kohala Coast is the classic white-sand beach for swimming and picnics.
How to Reach, Facilities, and Planning Tips
Getting There
Fly into Kona International Airport (KOA) for the west side or Hilo International Airport (ITO) for the east side. Many visitors fly into one and out of the other on a split stay.
Best Time to Visit
The Big Island is a year-round destination, but clear, dry evenings give the best Mauna Kea stargazing. Hilo is wet year-round, so pack a rain jacket even on a sunny Kona morning.
Getting Around
A rental car is essential, since the island is large and public transport is limited. Kona to Hilo takes about 2 to 3 hours by road, so plan fuel, food, and daylight for longer drives.
Facilities and Fees
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park charges a vehicle entrance fee, so check the current rate on the park website before you go. State parks such as Akaka Falls have their own parking and entry arrangements.
Accessibility
Akaka Falls and many park viewpoints are short, manageable walks, but Waipi’o Valley and the Mauna Kea summit road are not suitable for everyone. Check access and altitude guidance before choosing hikes or summit trips.
Location Map
Open Island of Hawaii in Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best island of Hawaii places to visit for first-timers?
The best island of Hawaii places to visit for first-timers are Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea summit, Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, Akaka Falls, and Waipi’o Valley lookout. Add a Kona snorkel or manta ray night trip for the ocean side of the island.
How many days do you need on the Island of Hawaii?
Five days is a good minimum for the Island of Hawaii, with three nights on the Kona side and two near Volcano or Hilo. The island is larger than all the other Hawaiian islands combined, so a shorter trip should focus on one side only.
Should you stay in Kona or Hilo on the Big Island?
Stay in Kona for sunshine, beaches, snorkeling, and resorts, and stay in Hilo or Volcano for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, waterfalls, and rainforest. Most visitors split their stay, since the drive between Kona and Hilo takes 2 to 3 hours.
Can you see lava at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?
Sometimes you can see lava glow at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, but Kilauea’s eruptions start and stop unpredictably. Check National Park Service and USGS updates on the day, and follow all closures and safety guidance in the park.
Is Mauna Kea summit safe for children?
Children under 13 should not go above the Mauna Kea visitor station because of the altitude at Mauna Kea summit. Families with young children can still enjoy the visitor station exhibits and evening stargazing programs.
What is the best beach on the Island of Hawaii?
Hapuna Beach is the classic white-sand swimming beach on the Island of Hawaii, while Punalu’u is the famous black sand beach for turtles and photos. Choose Hapuna for swimming and Punalu’u for scenery and wildlife watching.
Conclusion
The Island of Hawaii is a fantastic destination for any type of traveler, with volcanic landscapes, rainforest waterfalls, and beaches in black, white, and green sand. Plan around its size, split your stay, and let the volcano, the ocean, and the night sky each have a day.
Keep exploring with related guides: the Mauna Kea summit guide, the Kilauea guide, the Sulphur Banks guide, and the Akaka Falls guide, plus the Grand Circle Island Tour and the Manta Ray Night Dive for guided days out.
By Great Hawaii Tour — plan your Hawaii adventure with local guides you can trust.
